The streets filled with rumors about the governor's hidden mistress who was given exclusive service at the Rashets' famous boutique, Silhouette.
Karina, sighed, finally giving up.
And so did Mirelle.
But as soon as they decided to leave, guards arrived suddenly. And to Mirelle's shock, her maid was dragged away screaming. In the governor's manor, Lin was interrogated—then beaten for lying. Mirelle was forced to kneel and apologize for her maid's deceit. In front of her was a platform where the governor's wife sat on a lounge chair.
"What can we expect from an untitled, unruly girl like you? Are you certain you're not trying to cause trouble for the marquis?" The governor's wife sniffed. "I've heard your mother is an illegitimate daughter. The marquis was kind enough to take you in. He must reconsider his choices. You spread lies and damage the governor's reputation. Is this your hobby, Miss Nox?"
"N—no, no, no, Madam! I truly don't know why the maid spoke that way. I only told her to go to the back, because I couldn't enter," Mirelle cried.
"Hah! You couldn't enter? Yet you decided to spy on whoever was inside instead?" The madam let out a mocking laugh. "Mrs. Nox raised you well."
Her speech was interrupted by a guard arriving the hall. The he whispered in the Madam's ear. She paused, then nodded. A moment later, two young women entered the hall. The one behind was clearly a maid. The one in front, by her silk dress alone, was a noble lady. Porcelain skin, pink cheeks, long brows, deep brown eyes. The Madam had seen such beauty only a few times in her life.
The woman introduced herself—she was the marquis's daughter, Nyasia Sofia Rashet. She explained that she had learned of everything when the commotion over the arrested maid began.
"I apologize for this misunderstanding, Madam," she said politely. "It was I who was inside the store the whole time. Father wanted to hide my visit there for the first time. I've not been introduced publicly, and he's worried of that. I thought Father had informed my cousin about this."
"So you are Marquis Ezekias Rashet's daughter?" Madam nodded approvingly, studying her. "Well, none of this should have happened if only someone obeyed orders with humility and self-restraint. This rumor is damaging the reputation of the governor." She gave a brief but sharp side-eye to Mirelle still kneeling on the floor. She looked at Nyasia again. "But given with what you said, that maid lied that you are a mistress. Lady Rashet, you musn't be lenient to lesser beings."
"Don't worry, Madam. Rashet will deliver a harsh lesson for any shortcomings," Nyasia replied. "I've also come to your manor to erase any doubt that might taint the governor's reputation. He and my father share the same views on cultivating clove spices in the northern lands."
Madam raised a brow, impressed.
"So you study agriculture as well?"
"I read books as a hobby," Nyasia said.
Madam nodded, smiling.
She truly liked this young lady.
After that, the hall grew peaceful. Mirelle rose, still shaking. Lin could barely walk. Nyasia spoke with Madam a few minutes more until finally, all the visitors departed.
"That girl is a rare beauty," Madam said. "I remember her mother back in the day. That woman could have toppled an empire."
At the back of the platform, a man in simple clothes lifted a thick black curtain. His face held soft features—almost like a smooth, pretty man's face.
He chuckled.
"The Rashet heiress, hmm?"
"When will you show yourself in public, First Prince?" Madam said, turning to him.
"When I get the seal, of course."
His thoughts lingered on the young lady who had schemed so cleverly to defeat her cousin. 'Interesting girl.'
...
NYASIA LIFTED the curtain again, because carriage had slowed, then stopped. Ahead, the guards on horseback halted as well. She could see a long line of carriages and riders stretched down the road. They had reached the outskirts of the capital, on the border between the capital and road to Green Valley, where the villas and manors of noble families stood.
Fay, who had just spoken with the coachman, informed her that a long traffic jam had formed due to an accident down the bridge.
"Any news?"
"I have no idea yet. But earlier, the other carriage was a bit noisy. Ms. Nox slapped her maid several times. There were sobs. Lea said—"
"I meant this accident," Nyasia said, a trace of mockery on her lips. She couldn't care less what Mirelle did to her maid.
A sudden knock came from the carriage door. Fay opened it. It was Lea. She announced a boulder was mysteriously blocking the bridge. A lot of men would need to move it.
Nyasia frowned.
A boulder at the Green Valley bridge? What an audacious little stunt, she thought.
But soon after realizing this would take very long, she decided to take a nap. She dozed off, but later, a creak of the door opening woke her.
Silence.
Then it closed.
Then a familiar scent of agarwood.
'Don't tell me...'
Her heart raced—then her eyes opened.
Across from her, Dorian sat, crossing his long legs. He wore a fitted deep blue coat made of wool. His dark eyes—with their natural cruel sharpness and intensity—met hers. His head tilted.
She swallowed. "Where's Fay?"
"Outside, where else."
His voice was steady. Lazy.
"Your Grace," she said, exhaling. "You dragged that boulder onto the bridge, didn't you? To delay me?"
"You flatter yourself, Lady Rashet," he said, lips curving slightly. "I didn't do it. I just happen to know people who enjoy moving rocks. For a good price."
*